Karelian Bear Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a Karelian Bear Dog and want to know if a Karelian Bear Dog is suitable for your household?

Use the Karelian Bear Dog information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of Karelian Bear Dog and more.


Karelian Bear Dog Breed Facts

Karelian Bear Dog Facts

  • Name: Karelian Bear Dog
  • Other Names: KBD, Karjalankarhukoira, Karelsk Björnhund
  • Origin: Finland
  • Breed Group: Northern (UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


Karelian Bear Dog Facts

Karelian Bear Dog Information

The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized, sturdily-built, Spitz-type dog, with a triangular-shaped head, prick ears, and a harsh, straight, black or black and white coat that is of medium length. The length of body, from point of buttocks to point of sternum, is just slightly longer than the height, measured at the withers. Slightly longer coat on the thighs may make the length of body appear greater. The tail is carried in a loose curl over the back, although a natural bob or stub tail is acceptable. Honorable scars or other evidences of injury resulting from working in the field are not to be penalized.

The Karelian Bear Dog has a reserved but stable temperament and is very devoted to its master. Karelians have strong hunting instincts. They are normally aggressive with other dogs, particularly in their own territory, so they do not work well in a pack. They are fearless and self confident, and will attack bear and other large game without hesitation. Their senses, particularly the sense of smell, are very keen. They are never aggressive towards people.

What to do if you lose your Karelian Bear Dog

If your Karelian Bear Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Register your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Visit the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your missing pet.

4. Phone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Karelian Bear Dog

If you find a Karelian Bear Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the pet to the local Vet who normally scan the animal’s microchip and call the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.